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Issue No. 1 | February 2014 | 1 e Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI), together with the Forest Restoration Research Unit of Chiang Mai University (FORRU-CMU) and the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), held a National Forest Restoration Research Training at PAC, Magalang, Pampanga from November 12-14, 2013. is 3-day field-based training aimed to increase capacity in native species reforestation by encouraging more systematic research on restoration-related issues, such as species selection, choosing an appropriate restoration strategy and the ecology and propagation of native species. e training was attended by 45 participants coming from the Philippine Forestry Education Network, the Department of Environment & Natural Resources and its line Bureaus, the Watershed Management Units of the National Power Corporation and the Energy Development Corporation and other groups with on-going reforestation projects. e training went extremely well with a number of participants having already expressed strong interest in establishing their own forest restoration research units in their regions. ELTI will give support to promising alumni and monitor the progress of their projects, as requested, through its Leadership Program. Immediately following the training, ELTI and FORRU-CMU also hosted a workshop during the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc.’s 2nd International Symposium, held from November 15-16 at PAC. e workshop aimed to leverage on the expertise of the symposium participants to identify and evaluate potential framework tree species for restoration in the Philippines based on defined criteria, namely, survival, growth, attractiveness to wildlife, ability to shade out weeds, economic value and availability of planting material. More than a hundred people representing universities, government agencies, private companies and native plant enthusiasts from all over the country participated in the workshop. Workshop participants came up with an initial list of 50 native species and were encouraged to continue filling in the gaps in the very limited existing knowledge of the Philippine’s highly diverse native flora. For more details about the training and workshop, as well as other ELTI events and opportunities, please visit, www.elti.org. PUTTING THE SCIENCE BACK IN REFORESTATION Official Newsletter of the Rain Forest Restoration Initiative Issue No. 1 February 2014

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Page 1: PUTTING THE SCIENCE BACK IN  · PDF filesa mga kalahok sa pagtatanim ang kahalagahan ng gagawing pagtatanim at kontribusyon nito sa National Greening Program (NGP) ng pamahalaan

Issue No. 1 | February 2014 | 1

The Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI), together with the Forest Restoration Research Unit of Chiang Mai University (FORRU-CMU) and the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), held a National Forest Restoration Research Training at PAC, Magalang, Pampanga from November 12-14, 2013. This 3-day field-based training aimed to increase capacity in native species reforestation by encouraging more systematic research on restoration-related issues, such as species selection, choosing an appropriate restoration strategy and the ecology and propagation of native species.

The training was attended by 45 participants coming from the Philippine Forestry Education Network, the Department of Environment & Natural Resources and its line Bureaus, the Watershed Management Units of the National Power Corporation and the Energy Development Corporation and other groups with on-going reforestation projects. The training went extremely well with a number of participants having already expressed strong interest in establishing their own forest restoration research units in their regions. ELTI will give support to promising alumni and

monitor the progress of their projects, as requested, through its Leadership Program.

Immediately following the training, ELTI and FORRU-CMU also hosted a workshop during the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc.’s 2nd International Symposium, held from November 15-16 at PAC. The workshop aimed to leverage on the expertise of the symposium participants to identify and evaluate potential framework tree species for restoration in the Philippines based on defined criteria, namely, survival, growth, attractiveness to wildlife, ability to shade out weeds, economic value and availability of planting material. More than a hundred people representing universities, government agencies, private companies and native plant enthusiasts from all over the country participated in the workshop. Workshop participants came up with an initial list of 50 native species and were encouraged to continue filling in the gaps in the very limited existing knowledge of the Philippine’s highly diverse native flora.

For more details about the training and workshop, as well as other ELTI events and opportunities, please visit, www.elti.org.

PUTTING THE SCIENCE BACK IN REFORESTATION

Official Newsletter of the Rain Forest Restoration Initiative

Issue No. 1

February 2014

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2 | Panao - The Rainforest Restoration Initiative Newsletter

Manila - The Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PTFCF) celebrated its 10th Year Anniversary at the Diamond Hotel, Manila on September 18, 2013 with the US Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency, Harry K. Thomas Jr. as guest of honor and keynote speaker. The theme of the celebration was “PTFCF at 10: Connecting Forests, People, and Development.”

The occasion was graced by key officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, representatives from the academe, national and local government units, private sector, civil society organizations, NGOs, POs, past and present members of the Board of Trustees, and guests from the various regions of the country. The celebration highlighted the significant achievements of PTFCF during its first decade of existence while at the same time recognizing its partners who performed well and made outstanding contributions to the country’s forest protection and conservation efforts through logistical support coming from the Tropical Forest Conservation Fund (TFCF) being managed by PTFCF.

TFCF is a conservation fund made possible through a bilateral agreement between the governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of

America under the US Tropical Forest Conservation Act.

RFRI was recognized for its efforts and achievements in promoting and implementing the Rainforestation approach nationwide through its various national, regional and local networks, and for advocating the use of indigenous species in biodiversity conservation and forest development.

Other recipients of awards included Former Isabela Governor/Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca; Xavier Agricultural Extension Services (XAES); University of the Philippine at Los Baños; Palawan NGO Network, Inc. (PNNI); Visayas State University (VSU); Concepcion Durables, Inc.; and Energy Development Corporation (EDC). Best practices in forest conservation were likewise given due recognition to the efforts of some People’s Organization from the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Misaamis Oriental, Quezon and Zamboanga.

Dr. Roger Z. Guzman, the Executive Director of the Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern (PFEC), which is one of the member organizations of RFRI, accepted the award for and in behalf of the network.

 

PTFCF Chairperson, Dr. Paciencia Milan (right) awards a Certificate of Recognition to RFRI through Dr. Roger Z. Guzman (left), Executive Director of the Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern (PFEC) who represented the Network. (Photo credit: PTFCF)

RFRI RECEIVES PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION DURING THE

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF PTFCF

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Issue No. 1 | February 2014 | 3

The recently concluded 2nd International Symposium of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc.(PNPCSI), held last November 15-16, 2013 at Pampanga Agricultural College in Magalang, Pampanga, was very well attended. Initially planned for 250 participants, the turnout reached 322, a very strong testament to the growing interest in native flora conservation and promotion works.

The Symposium’s theme was ‘Our Native Flora: Rediscovering their Value and Exploring their Untapped Potentials’. In addressing the theme, plenary lectures touched on Philippine Native Plant Diversity & Ecology, Forestry, Ethnobotany & Natural Products, Agriculture, Horticulture and Landscape Design.

These were then followed by parallel sessions where some 48 papers submitted on the major topics were presented and discussed. A total of 34 paper posters on the major topics were likewise shared and displayed on poster boards for the participants’ information and appreciation.

The Symposium also conducted a 2-hour workshop on forest restoration, with Dr. Stephen Elliott, Dr.

David Neidel and Dr. Edwino Fernando overseeing the activities. An update on the Red List was presented by Dr. Edwino Fernando.

Capping the two-day Symposium was the launching of the Leonardo L. Co Special Issue of the Philippine Journal of Science (PJS) by Dr. Caesar Saloma, Editor-in-Chief of the PJS and Chancellor of UP Diliman. A copy was formally turned over to the family of Leonard L. Co as represented by his sister, Lily Co Austria.

In sum, we borrow the words of former DENR Secretary Victor O. Ramos who attended the 2-day Symposium, as follows: “… With this added credibility and capability, new doors are being opened for the society to make greater impact on its missions “to restore and conserve our native biodiversity” . Perhaps most significant was the comment of Leonard Co’s sister and brother-in-law who attended the forum. They felt and expressed the view that Leonard’s legacy has taken deep roots and momentum in the activities of the society.

 

 A VERY PRODUCTIVE 2ND PNPCSI

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

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4 | Panao - The Rainforest Restoration Initiative Newsletter

Ika-30 ng Oktubre taong kasalukuyan, ginanap ang tree planting sa bundok ng Barangay Maragondon sa Real, Quezon. Ito ay dinaluhan ng iba’t ibang bata, kabataan at mga magulang mula sa bayan ng Real, Infanta at General Nakar, Quezon. Katuwang din sa gawaing ito ang mga Board of Trustees (BOT) at staff ng Reina Federation.

Ang aktibidad na ito ay isa sa mga highlights ng selebrasyon ng ika-5 taong pagkakatatag ng Reina -isang non-government, non-profit organization na katuwang ng ChildFund Philippines sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa at proyektong nagtataguyod ng kagalingan ng mga bata at kabataan. Dalawampu’t anim (26) na Barangay ang nasasakupan ng Reina na kung saan ay may 3,630 mga batang naka-enroll sa programa. Kasama din sa aktibidad ang mga kawani ng Barangay sa pangunguna ng Punong Barangay

na si Kgg. Danilo Doloeras. Gayundin, katuwang ang ilang kawani ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources – DENR – IVA, kawani ng CENRO – Real sa tagubilin ng OIC-CENR Officer na si Forester Miliarete Panaligan, at mula sa Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Real, sa pangunguna ng MENR Officer na si Forester Bryan Potestades.

Bago isagawa ang pagtatanim ng mga puno ay nagkaroon muna ng orientation o pagpapaliwanag kung paano ang tamang pagtatanim. Gayundin, ipinaalam sa mga kalahok sa pagtatanim ang kahalagahan ng gagawing pagtatanim at kontribusyon nito sa National Greening Program (NGP) ng pamahalaan. Kabilang sa mga punong itinanim ay ang mga puno ng lipote, kamagong at dalingdingan na sinasabing mga katutubong puno sa lugar. Ipinaliwanag ito ng maayos sa pangunguna ng MENRO ng Real na si G.

“SA BARANGAY MARAGONDON, MARAMING

PUNO ANG SISIBOL”

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Issue No. 1 | February 2014 | 5

Bryan Potestades at ng Forest Management Specialist & NGP Coordinator na si Forester Ronaldo Rozaldo mula sa Kagawaran (DENR). Sa gabay ng mga Brgy. Tanod at mga Brgy. Konsehal, tinungo ang mga lugar na pagtataniman ng mga puno. Mahigit kumulang 400 ang na itanim na lipote, kamagong at dalingdingan.

Pagkatapos magtanim, hiningan ng kuro-kuro ang mga bata, kabataan, magulang at staff ng Reina Federation kung ano ang kahalagahan ng pagtatanim ng puno.

Ayon kay Aira Shane Miras, 11 taong gulang at miyembro ng BINHI Children Association (Bata’y Ingatan Nagkakaisang Hangarin ay Itaguyod) ng Gen. Nakar, Quezon, “Mahalaga po ang pagtatanim para makatulong sa kalikasan, para masipsip ang mga tubig at para madagdagan ang nanlalagas na kagubatan. ”

Sinabi naman ni Gng. Lita Francia, 49 taong gulang, Kaagla Coordinator ng Gen Nakar, “Mahalaga ang pagtatanim dahi ang mga puno ang syang poprotekta upang hindi gumuho ang lupa. Ang pagtatanim ay nagpapanatili sa kalupaan ng kabundukan. Ito ay ginawa upang masuportahan o palitan ang punong nagamit.” Idinagdag pa ni Gng. Nida Publico, 52 taong gulang, Reina Federation Secretary, “Mahalaga ang pagtatnim upang maiwasan ang pinagmulang trahedya noong 2004”.

Naging masaya ang bawat isa sa isinagawang pagtatanim, sapagkat kitang-kita sa kanilang mga ngiti sa labi ang mga galak sa kanilang puso.

Inaasahan nga na ang mga puno na itinanim sa Maragondon ay sisibol at magbibigay ng produkto at proteksyon sa mga mamamayan ng Real, Quezon.

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6 | Panao - The Rainforest Restoration Initiative Newsletter

 

“NGP: The right kind of green for the Philippines” – Dr. Perry Ong

This is the reason why the civil society organizations (CSOs), represented by the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) and the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), entered into a partnership agreement with DENR last February 20, 2012 for the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP).To further strengthen the said agreement, DENR Central Office issued a Memorandum Order addressed to all Regional Executive Directors (REDs) for the implementation of the Partnership Agreement with consideration of all the CSO partners in the regions last March 20, 2012. The DENR Secretary also issued a Memorandum Circular 2012-01 on May 2, 2012

instructing all the DENR Regional Offices to engage all PTFCF and FPE-assisted People’s Organizations (POs) in the production and planting of indigenous forest species pursuant to the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Inspite of the signed agreement and memoranda from the Central Office, field implementation remains to be a big problem. Because of this, a meeting with DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio Ignacio Jr. and FMB Director Ricardo Calderon was held last July 24, 2013 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center to discuss implementation issues. It was agreed upon during the meeting that the same be presented at the REDs’ Meeting conducted last August 11, 2013. PTFCF, FPE and Dr. Perry Ong attended the meeting to remind the regional field personnel of

STATE OF NGP ACCOMPLISHMENTS (SONA) BETWEEN DENR-PTFCF-FPE

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Issue No. 1 | February 2014 | 7

the existence and effectivity of the DENR-PTFCF-FPE Partnership Agreement. Some of the challenges raised are as follows: (1) DENR field offices had reservations about the MOA, some even claimed they were not aware of the MOA; (2) Agreements with POs were signed mostly in the second half of 2012; (3) Delayed release of 15% mobilization fund; (4) Pressured POs to comply with the agreement resulted in the procurement of seedlings instead of producing them; and (5) Corruption issues, among others.

On the other hand, some success stories enumerated are the following: (1) Purchased a generator set by Green Work Unity Group in South Cotabato; (2) Purchased three (3) units of motorized boats and one (1) unit mechanized plow by the Baggao Agta Tribe in Cagayan; (3) Funds used in the construction of guard house/cottage by the Barangay 1 Fisherfolks Association in Northern Samar; (4) Establishment of 28 nurseries all over the municipality of Tubo, Abra by TIPON, Inc.; and (5) Procured a second-hand vehicle that is now used as a service vehicle by the Pamalihi Tribal Council, Inc. in Misamis Oriental.

It was also a chance for the REDs to raise their

concerns regarding the Partnership Agreement. Among these concerns are: (1) DENR cannot impose the POs to produce endemic species alone because it has no short term benefits; (2) It is important that the GPPB resolution be approved since Commission on Audit (COA) is very strict and technical about the procurement process; (3) Need to level off together with the NGP Coordinator, CSO and PO representatives to discuss NGP implementation for 2014; (4) The POs endorsed by PTFCF and FPE should have complete eligibility requirements; and (5) The Regional Offices should be provided with a copy of the PTFCF and FPE regional counterparts and proposed sites.

At the end of the meeting, a consensus was reached to continue the partnership and ensure that all issues raised are addressed. PTFCF and FPE will also coordinate to all DENR Regional Offices to plan the implementation of NGP in 2014. The CSOs also asked for the coherence, consistency, continuity and commitment of DENR to make the Partnership Agreement, as well as the National Greening Program in general, successful.

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8 | Panao - The Rainforest Restoration Initiative Newsletter

With the goal of increasing the local communities efficiency in real-time reporting and monitoring of the government’s National Greening Program (NGP), People’s Organizations under the DENR-PTFCF-FPE NGP Partnership Agreement received mobile phones and SIM cards donated by Globe Telecoms, Inc. This is in pursuant to the Partnership Agreement signed between Globe and FPE under the iConserve pillar of the “Bridging Communities Program”.

People’s Organizations and Indigenous People’s Organizations, including some of the assisting Civil Society Organization from parts of the Cordillera Region, down to the CARAGA region and the BantayGubat - deputized under the Up-scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas, were provided a handset and SIM card for quick evaluation on the program’s progress at the community level and ensure that successes and challenges will be accounted for and addressed appropriately.

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM

(NGP) LOCAL PARTNERS RECEIVED

MOBILE PHONES AND

SIM CARDS

Panao is the name of this newsletter of the Rain Forest Restoration Initiative (RFRI).

Panao is also the vernacular name of the native Philippine dipterocarp tree, scientifically known as Dipterocarpus gracilis and is the young seedling represented in RFRI’s logo.

RFRI is a coalition of NGOs, state colleges and universities (SCUs), farmer cooperatives, and POs, the private sector, and individual citizens in concerted actions to fulfull and to draw public attention to the state of the Philippine rain forests and the need to stop and reverse their continuing loss and degradation by planting native species

Contributors:Baby Rose Barase, REINA Youth Leader

PNPCSIMarjorie Marasigan, FPE

Malou Laluan, PTFCFDazzle R. Labapis, PFEC

Hazel Consunji, ELTIDr. Edwino Fernando, UPLB CFNR

Editorial Board:Ruth P. CanlasHazel Consunji

Katherine Mana-Galido

Contact Details:Rain Forest Restoration Initiative (RFRI)

c/o Non-TImber Forest Products - Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP)

92A Masikap Extension, Barangay CentralDiliman, Quezon City 1100 Philippines

Telephones: + 63 2 426 2757, 929 3665Website: www.rainforestation.ph